From Cathy Haynes
June #1 list of Central Florida veteran, military or patriotic events
Send me your events – people cannot attend an event if they don’t know about it!
Please share this information and events with your friends and interested others and attend. Post where appropriate.
Veterans-only Job fair – Fri. June 12 – the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is hosting a job fair for military veterans. The event, in partnership with SunTrust Bank, is scheduled from 11am – 2pm at the CFHLA offices at 6675 Westwood Blvd., Suite 210, Orlando, 32821 (northwest of SeaWorld.) Jobs available include security, engineering, food and beverage, and customer-service related positions. Info: Erin Walsh at 407-313-5012.
Military Care Packaging event – Sat. June 13 - Kids In Support of Soldiers (K.I.S.S.) a not-for-profit group, will occupy about 20 youngsters by packing and sealing up to 70 boxes for warriors at American Legion Old Glory Post 183, 2706 Wells Ave, Altamonte Springs, 32730. Set up about 9am, for the 10am event. Come early and eat breakfast that will be prepared by the wonderful ladies of American Legion 183. Bring items to send to warriors. Donations are VERY welcomed – as it costs $12.65 just for postage per box. Info: KISS adult supervisor Joe Mattei 321-279-6092 akissfromhome@ yahoo.com
ALSO: Do you know someone serving who needs a Care Package? Send us their name and address!!! We’ll be sending pkgs each month thru the summer….
3rd Annual Lake Butler Family Fun Day with Camaraderie Foundation – Sat. June 13 – Military families can bond with each other while swimming, playing games and eating – at no cost! 12noon – 4pm at Lake Butler in Windermere. RSVP is required so that there will be enough food and to get specific location. Contact 407-841-0071 or macevedo@ cameraderiefoundation.com Camaraderie Foundation also assists by providing counseling assistance/resources to warriors and/or their families experiencing Post Traumatic Stress situations. Your connection and knowledge with other military families may help save lives and marriages….
Flag Retirement ceremony – Sat. June 13, 12 noon at the Orlando Scottish Rite Center, 1485 Grand Rd., Winter Park, 32792. Sponsored by the Knights of St. Andrews with participation by scouts and veteran groups. Gather your neighborhood retired flags, those that are torn, tattered and faded. Bring them for proper retirement and disposal. Or call for pickup – 407-657-4550. Past years have had over 4000 flags respectfully retired. Alternatively, any American Legion or VFW Post will welcome flags for retirement.
Addl’ info - Masonic Membership consideration: National Sojourners, Inc., is a national fraternal organization composed of military commissioned officers, Warrant and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers )past and present) and honorary members who are Masons in advancing programs that promote love of country ...
2nd Annual Semper Fi Fish Fry – Sat. June 13 - fundraising hosted by the Orlando Marine Corps League (MCL), Cpl. Larry E. Smedley Detachment. 1pm - 4pm at Fish on Fire site, 7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, 32809 (just north of the Beachline/528 and east of Tradeport Dr. in S. Orlando.) Young Marines group will be doing their Color Guard and the National Anthem sung by Naome Bradshaw; Surprise guests, face painting, other kids’ activities. MCL has assisted numerous families including saving the home of a Marine with PTS and finding a home for another homeless Marine. $10 person on site or pre-pay at eventsite.com DONATIONS WELCOMED TOO! Info: Past Commandant Chris Robinson at 407-493-6968 mcl.orlando.commandant@ gmail.com
(Also see Young Marines fundraiser below.)
Battle of Midway Commemorative Dinner – Sat. Jun 13 in St. Augustine. The Battle of Midway was a crucial and decisive naval battle in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. Contact the Navy Leagues in Mayport or St. Augustine for info. 904-806-4712 anuday00@aol.com
Unusual Live Web broadcast – Wounded warrior receiving keys to home - Sun. June 14 – The group, Homes for our Troops (HFOT), will have a live House Key ceremony on the internet from California. The same organization has provided specially adapted homes also in Florida for severely wounded warriors. Army Spc. Geoffrey Quevedo was 20 years old in 2011 when he stepped on a pressure-plated IED (improvised explosive device) lost an arm and a leg. He has a wonderful impish grin despite the challenges! WATCH this LIVE ceremony is at 12noon (eastern time) at www. hfotusa.org/quevedo
Locally, Army Capt. Robert Withers will be receiving a home in Winter Garden, perhaps by the end of the year or in early 2016. Army Spc. Luis Puertas of Orlando and Army SSgt Russ “Paul” Marek of Melbourne have received specially adapted homes from HFOT. Brittany Frazier, widow of Army Sgt Daniel Frazier, received a home in Kissimmee. She has been completing a practicum that will allow her to complete her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, a career that will enable her to “pay it forward” helping others, particularly other military widows. You can read about these warriors and how to help others at www. hfotuse.org
Florida Association of Veteran Owned Businesses mtg (FAVOB) – Tues June 16– meeting at 10am, a “Chamber of Commerce” of sorts open to all veteran owned businesses, at American Legion Florida Department bldg., 1912A Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810. 19 states offer contract preferences to veteran owned businesses. Florida is NOT one of them. Our goal is to change that in big business, our cities, and counties too. See FAVOB Facebook site. Info: Chairman Michael Waldrop mwaldrop@blue-cord.com
Public Workshop meeting of the Orange County Public Schools – Tues. June 16 – 4:30pm -5:30pm A Rule Development workshop that will determine if/what Veterans preferences may likely become policy within the suppliers/services of the school system. Veteran-owned businesses are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to attend this meeting for support with possible influence and ideas that could allow Orange County to shine as a leading example. Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 32804.
The formal OCPS Board Meeting with decision making will be held on June 23 at 5:30pm –approx. 8:30pm at the Edgewater High School Auditorium.
NEX – Navy Exchange Special! For persons eligible for NEX, the next scratch off coupon event will take place at the Navy Exchange June 17-23. See below.
Networking for Veterans - Thurs, June 18 – VetBuds is a group of military veterans whose purpose is to provide an open forum and networking source. 9am at First Watch cafe’, 1221 S. Orlando Ave, Maitland, 32751 (between Lake Ave and Circle Dr) Veterans might help each other through our combined businesses, social and personal knowledge and connections. Purchase your own breakfast, informal/casual meeting. No dues. Info: Forrest citrusolution91@ gmail.com 407-347-6499
June 19, 1944 - The Battle of the Philippine Sea takes place.
240th Army Birthday Ball – Sat. June 20 – The local Sunshine Chapter of AUSA (Association of the United States Army) planning committee is working diligently to ensure we recognize our Government Civilians and Soldiers with a grand celebration. Special invitations to Wounded Warriors, Soldiers, Gold Star families and our senior war veterans from Central Florida. ALL interested persons- regardless of service branch or civilian - are welcomed to attend with RSVP. 6pm – 11pm at Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819. Sponsorships welcomed. Info: Mike Flanagan or Tony Krogh at armyball@ausa-sunshine.org 407.277.8069, x 304, (c) 717.609.9665
Addl’ info - Interested in becoming an AUSA member? Sunshine Chapter has flexible general meeting dates. See the website or contact john.reams@ zeltech.com 407.571.9920
USO Volunteer Orientation – Tues June 23 - 5PM-6:30 PM. Attending an Orientation meeting is required before becoming a USO volunteer. Volunteers will learn about over 21 different programs and services that we provide our military, what it means to be a USO volunteer, and how we can work together to lift the spirits of our troops and their families. 1420 Celebration Blvd, Celebration, FL 34747. More meetings at various location will be offered in the future. Info: Kris Kimberly – he is the USO Central Florida Events, Programs, and Volunteer Coordinator, kkimberly@usocentralflorida.org 813.401.1194
USO report – Preparations for the opening of the USO at Orlando Int’l Airport: The USO facility MAY be opened before the end of the year, possibly November with crossed fingers…..!
Orange County Public School (OCPS) Board Meeting – Tues. June 25 - Decision making session that will include Veteran preferences provisions for the school system. See the June 16 Public workshop info. 5:30pm –approx. 8:30pm at the Edgewater High School Auditorium, 3100 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, 32804.
The American Legion, Department of Florida, June 25 -28 - 96th Annual Department Convention at Renaissance SeaWorld in Orlando.
Groundbreaking for the new Orlando Police Headquarters – Thurs. June 25 – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioners and Police Chief John Mina invite the Orlando community to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Orlando Police Department Headquarters. Expected to be completed in 2016, the new 96,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will improve department operations, utilize the latest technology and make the department more accessible to the community. Many of our law enforcement officers and other first responders are military veterans. 10:30am at 1200 South St. (Orange Blossom Trail between South St. and Anderson St.) To park, enter off of Woods Avenue into the site lot. Parking will be free for attendees. For more information, visit cityoforlando.net/opdhq.
Summer of Service Veterans Town Hall Meeting - Thurs. June 25 – 1:30pm – 4:30pm at Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona. This is your opportunity to ask questions and receive information about your healthcare. Find out how you can make your VA care better. Would you like to ‘pay-back good deeds’ or ‘pass them forward?’ Do you want to do something but don’t know what or how? Options will be presented in the Summer of Service discussion. You can make a positive difference in the life of veteran. Lake Nona VA Hospital, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, 32827. Veterans Services will be available. Info: 407-599-1301.
THIS IS THE LAST HONOR FLIGHT until the end of August – Wash. DC is too hot/humid for the senior veterans and the guardians who push the wheelchairs…..
Greeters needed! Honor Flight Welcome Home –Sat. June 27– Orlando Int’l Airport –After a day spent in Washington DC, 25 veterans of WWII and Korea return home thru Orlando Int’l Airport. The hub of the nation-wide organization will take veterans on a single day trip to our nation’s capital where they visit the WWII, Korea, and Vietnam War Memorials, Marine Corps Iwo Jima and the Air Force Monuments, and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This group will return at about 8:30pm and enter the terminal area at about 9 – 9:30pm. Come welcome these former warriors home! “Welcome Home” receptions at the airports makes a difference! Bring your flags, banners and signs! –Southwest Airlines # 2402 from Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Terminal A, Airside 2 (hotel area in front of Starbucks.) Before leaving home, check online to see if the flight is on time because there may be delays due to weather, mechanical or medical issues.
Free parking has been arranged at an off airport property – FastPark and Relax – who has been very generous to Honor Flights with free parking and shuttles to the airport (tips welcomed by drivers!) - Contact Cathy Haynes for those details NLT 7pm - chaynes11629@yahoo.com 407-239-8468.
New: Vouchers are available for airport garage parking from a GOAA rep. in the terminal for this event – maximum of 3 hours – BUT you have to take a paper/card upon entering the airport garage. The vouchers will not work if you use the E-Pass/SunPass transponders – we cannot credit back the charge.
For the Early Birds - you can wave these veterans off in the morning no later than 5am – same location. They process thru Security early and quickly. Wave them off for a wonderful day!
Veteran to receive French Legion of Honour medal – Tues. June 30 - WWII Veteran, Charles Edward Stevens, will be honored by France and awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour medal, as he also celebrates his 90th birthday. 12noon - 4:00pm Representatives from the French Consulate will arrive at 2:30 pm to award Mr. Stevens with their prestigious Medal of Honor for his WWll service in France. The Veteran Memorial Center, 400 S Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island, 32952 (located behind the Merritt Square Mall.) France has awarded more than 1,000 of the medals to Floridians in the past 10 years. Info: Dave Matthews 407.535.1728 sgtdavematthews@ gmail.com
July 4 at Lake Eola – Celebrate our national birthday by watching fireworks around the beautiful lake! 9pm in Downtown Orlando.
TWO Conferences working together…….And with a special event needing help from the public….
National Association of Blind Veterans (NABV) – Mon. July 6 - Annual National Meeting and Reception at the Rosen Centre Hotel , 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819, In (Salon 1), Second Level. This gathering would be of interest to veterans who lost their sight in the service of our country or have lost their sight after serving due to medical situations (diabetes, glaucoma, injuries, etc.) A social reception will start promptly at 5PM and close at 7PM. Light snacks and soft drinks are provided (Cash bar) along with some door prize drawings. We will start our National Business Meeting promptly at 7PM closing at 10PM. Info: Dwight D. Sayer, misterconsultant50@ gmail.com or president@ nabv.org 321- 948-1466 See website at www. nabv.org
Working in conjunction with……
National Federation of the Blind Convention (NFB) – Mon – Fri, July 6-10 at the Rosen Center Hotel. Veterans Celebration opening session day (Wed. July 8). There will also be a number of vendors presenting visual assistance equipment that the VA issues through prosthetics and a chance to ask the vendor questions about the equipment. 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.
BUT – The NABV and NFB are asking the help of our Central Florida communities!!!!!
They are going to try to set a new Guinness World Record… The Largest Umbrella Mosaic. The current record was set by PT Philips (Indonesia) in Jakarta in 2012. 3000 people are needed, each with an umbrella.
Show up at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819, at 7AM on Wednesday July 8 and hold up the umbrella. Guinness will record it from the air and on the ground. The Rosen Centre, along with other Rosen properties, plans to have staff members participate. They are very excited about setting this record in Orlando. What a way to start a workday by participating in a World Record!!!
Florida United Numismatists (F.U.N.) – Thurs – Sat. July 9-11 – The summer F.U.N. (money) show – over 200 dealer booths of coins and paper money often include military collectibles, artifacts, political ephemera (old campaign buttons) along with jewelry and watches. Numismatic-related exhibits, 6 educational programs, Scout Programs, the Heritage Auction, and much more. Great history items. Kids can learn during their summer vacation! This year is the 300th anniversary of the sinking of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet off the central east coast of Florida – think about the gold and silver Spanish coins! See 1715fleetsociety.com and www. funtopics.com Admission is FREE but convention center parking is $10. Orange County Convention Center9800 International Drive, Hall WA3, West Concourse.
(NOTE: The BIG national F.U.N. show with 1500+ dealers and 15,000+ collectors will NOT be held in Orlando in Jan. 2016. Due to contract ‘challenges’ it will be in Tampa.)
3rd Annual Bob Bret Memorial Golf Tournament - Mon. July 20. Central Florida Navy League, a large active group composed of civilians and veterans supporting all sea services. (USN, USMC, USCG, and Merchant Marines.) This golf outing honors a long-time CFNL member, Robert "Bob" Bret - Proceeds go to support NJROTC scholarships and the Welfare & Recreation fund for USCGC Cutter's Vigilant and Shrike, (based in Port Canaveral) crew & families. Tournament at The Golden Bear Club, Keene’s Point in Windermere. Corporate sponsors welcomed. Contact Brian Holmes at 407.252.3008 bholmes@aegistg.com
ON THE HORIZON
National 75th Anniversary of Airborne and Special Operations – Wed. Aug 12 – event at 7pm Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, 32819.
82nd Airborne Division Association National Convention – Wed-Mon Aug 12-17 - Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. Special Room Rate: $85. Cost/Resister at www. paratrooperdz.com.
September 2, 1945 – V-J Day. Thank a Pacific Theater veteran for his/her service!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Young Marines need help - 9 Young Marines of the Orlando Devil Dogs unit. Young Marines (ages 8 to 18) from across the country gather in Window Rock, AZ, to honor and give praise to the Navajo Code Talkers from WWII. The Young Marines’ theme for the 2015 event is “Teaching Today’s Youth about Yesterday’s Heroes.” These Young Marines will be attending a class about the Code Talkers, setting up flags and marching in the Navajo Nation parade. They will be providing gifts for the Navajo Code Talkers families and visiting the Navajo Nation Zoo and the Navajo Museum.
Your contribution will help cover the airfares, accommodations, meals and other fees and expenses to host the 9 teenage Young Marines during the Annual Navajo Code Talkers Day events that will take place from August 13 to the 15th 2015. See: gofundme.com This effort will make a lifetime impact on these young men and women. You don’t see these youth’s pictures and stories in the media – they’re too busy doing too much good in our communities instead of becoming problems….
PTS Research Resource - using Accelerated Resolution Therapy or ART. USF (University of South Florida) is funding this experimental research at no charge for a limited time for veterans who have PTSD. Gilstray & Associates, the only provider of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in Orlando, is located at 7601 Conroy-Windermere Rd. Ste. #202, Orlando, 32835 (southwest Orlando.) Research persons need to be older than 18 years of age, a service member (active or veteran), having symptoms of psychological trauma from combat-related exposure or military sexual trauma, not in psychological crisis or being treated for substance abuse, able to read and speak English. Contact Hart Meyrich at Gilstrap and Associates at 407 522-9919. Tom Underdown of Fairways for Warriors is willing to speak about this therapy and, if needed, willing to go with you to your first appointment. tom@ fairwaysforwarriors.org 407 399-0977.
Home At Last fundraising – A seventh disability-friendly home built in the west Orange County community of Oakland. The not-for-profit Home at Last honors a combat-wounded veteran of the military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The family is the Wittwer's - Marine Staff Sergeant Brandon Wittwer (Ret), wife Kassandra and their three children, Kaydance, Karter & Kylee. The SSgt and his wife grew up in Kissimmee and started dating after he returned from Boot Camp. He suffered multiple spinal injuries that have ended his 12-year Marine career. Donations to build this home are welcomed and can be sent to Home at Last Project, Inc. , PO Box 38, Oakland, FL 34760. The dedication ceremony and flag raising should be later this year. Bill Criswell, a founding organizer and chairman for Home At Last as well as a WW2 veteran, is very much involved just as he was with the previous six homes. Bravo Bill! wccriswell@earthlink.net
Research Study families with children needed - this will help military families – UCF Family Stress and Resilience Program needs several types of families for a study of biological and psychological stressors. Orlando is one of three sites (the others are Houston, TX and Honolulu, HI) for this comparison of children (ages 7 – 17) with military or civilian family stresses. Participating families will receive $100. Saliva (spit) will be collected to measure cortisol - the stress hormone – NO needles! Needed as many families as possible: Needed: Military families with a currently deployed parent for over 30 days;
Military family with no currently deployed parent;
Needed: Civilian family with parents who are divorced or separated (within past 12 months);
Civilian family with two parents/caregivers in the home;
Needed: Civilian family where one parent is temporarily separated from the family because of a work assignment (ie: working on oil rig; workshops > 30 days.)
Contact: UCF Coordinator Dr. Sandra Neer at 407-823-1668 sandra.neer@ucf.edu
Operation Homefront assists military families during difficult financial times by providing food assistance, auto and home repair, vision care, travel and transportation, moving assistance, essential home items, and financial assistance. operationhomefront.org Central FL rep: Chip Whiting at 407-758-0492 whiting_charles@bah.com
• WoundedTimes.blogspot.com - Veterans News Service covering news that matters to veterans and their families. Local, state and national news, events, and stories – especially with videos involving Central Florida military and veterans. Dedicated to defeating Combat PTS.
• Shades of Green Resort – Armed Forces Recreation Center (a DOD) on Disney property provides various packages for active duty, reservists, guardsmen, 100% service connected disabled, and retired military personnel and their families. Go to www.shadesofgreen.org for information. Special discounts for rooms may be available based on occupancy levels, and special ticket rates. (407) 824-3400
• The Navy Exchange (NEX) –NEX in Orlando is for all branches of active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents. It is located west of Orlando Int’l Airport, about 1 mile south of the Beachline Expy/528 on Tradeport Dr. Competitive pricing and programs. The big white building on the west side of Tradeport - 7151 Earhart Dr., Orlando, 32827. www.mynavyexchange.com 407-857-3550
SPECIAL! The next scratch off coupon event will take place at the Navy Exchange June 17-23.
The scratch off coupon allows you to save up to 3 times during this period- one discount per transaction.
Get an extra 5%, 10%, 15%, 25% or 50% Off with use of the coupon. 1 in 3 cards has 10% Off or better! Some coupons will be available in store for customers while supplies last. (Navy Exchange authorized patrons only)
• MWR / ITT Ticket Office – Offers discounted attraction tickets to active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, retirees, 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their dependents. It is locate adjacent to the Navy Exchange (NEX) listed above. Phone: 407-855-0116 or 407-851-4396 for details, email:mwrorl@gmail.com or Text MWROrlando to 30364 for MWR Specials.
• Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to active duty, Guard and Reserve service members, and their families with comprehensive information on every aspect of military life including deployment, relationships, economics, grief, education, parenting and child care, and much more. www.militaryonesource.mil
INFO to keep and share - because we care
Veterans in crisis – For you or someone you know - Confidential Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, #1.
Or: Website at veteranscrisisline provides 24/7 confidential chat online assistance;
Or: text 838255 for 24/7 confidential assistance. They are there because they care….
Camaraderie Foundation in Central Florida provides resources for private and confidential Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) counseling for warriors and their families. It works. It has saved lives, marriages and families. Contact 407-841-0071
Caring and sharing,
Cathy Haynes
Member/supporter of numerous veteran and military organizations in Central FL
407-239-8468
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